For the last two decades, Chester County Futures has been helping change countless lives through its programs that help underprivileged youth attend college, according to a staff report from Fox 29.

“We’re a college access program here in Chester County; we work primarily with first-generation college students,” said Maria McDonald, Executive Director of Chester County Futures. “We provide them with academic support, mentoring, and ultimately scholarship support.”

The Exton nonprofit has spent the last 20 years encouraging students who hope to become the first in their family to go to college. It helps them believe they can achieve a future of success and achievement, regardless of their often-difficult backgrounds.

The program is privately funded, and serves districts throughout Chester County.

The organization has also had an impact not only on individuals, but their families. In 85 percent of cases, the students attending the program are the first in their family to go to college, putting a halt to their belief that college was not attainable for them.

“Every child deserves an equal chance at the future that they want; everyone is equally worthy,” said Marjorie Dawkins of Chester County Futures.

Read more about the nonprofit’s programs from Fox 29 here.